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Description edit see section history

The Monk is a Gothic novel that was published in 1796 by M.G. Lewis. Lewis was only 19 years old at the time and wrote it in just ten weeks.

Summary edit see section history

Set in the sinister monastery of the Capuchins in Madrid, The Monk is a violent tale of ambition, murder, and incest. It is about the great struggle between maintaining monastic vows and fulfilling personal ambitions and its main character, the monk, Ambrosio. Ambrosio is led into to... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Set in the sinister monastery of the Capuchins in Madrid, The Monk is a violent tale of ambition, murder, and incest. It is about the great struggle between maintaining monastic vows and fulfilling personal ambitions and its main character, the monk, Ambrosio. Ambrosio is led into to temptation and the breaking of his vows, then to sexual obsession and rape, and finally to murder in order to conceal his guilt. The only edition of this key gothic novel available, The Monk now offers a new introduction and notes that make it especially accessible to the modern reader.

Exciting story. Once I got into it I couldn't put it down. Reminded me very much of a Shakespearian tragedy. PLOT very Complicated with many twists. Recommend writing down characters names and descriptions., relations and other AKAs

Julie Bea

Characters/People edit see section history

Show all 42 characters
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Quotes edit see section history

  • “An Author, whether good or bad, or between both, is an Animal whom everybody is privileged to attack; For though All are not able to write books, all conceive themselves able to judge them.”
  • “She is unworthy to enjoy Love's pleasures, who has not wit enough to conceal them.”

First Sentence edit see section history

SCARCELY HAD THE Abbey-Bell tolled for give five minutes, and already was the Church of the Capuchins* thronged with Auditors.

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 946 of 1286 in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. (authoritative list)
This book is in British Gothic. (community list)
This is book 5 of 199 in Newman and Jones 200 Best Horror Novels. (community list)
This is book 9 of 101 in Penguin English Library. (publisher series)
This book is in Guardian 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read. (authoritative list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Matthew G. Lewis (Author)

Other Contributors:

  1. Howard Anderson (Editor)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: J. Bell (London)
Country: England
Publication Date: 1796
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 496

Classification edit see section history

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More Books Like This edit see section history

   
  • Melmoth the Wanderer
  • The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner

Books That Cite This Book edit see section history

   
  • On Ugliness

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